skinbetter science Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment

A barrier-restoring moisturizer rich in skin-identical lipids, antioxidants, and natural moisturizing factors designed to fortify and hydrate depleted skin.

Performance Rating: 4.8

This moisturizer features an exceptional formulation focused on barrier repair and biomimetic hydration. It includes a robust profile of skin-identical lipids including Ceramides (EOP, NP), Cholesterol, and Fatty Acids (Linoleic, Linolenic), likely aiming for the ‘golden ratio’ required for optimal barrier restoration. The hydration system is equally impressive, utilizing components of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) such as Urea, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, and Glycerin. Additionally, the inclusion of Squalane, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C derivative), and Carnosine provides emollience, antioxidant protection, and anti-glycation benefits.

Safety Rating: 4.5

The formula is deemed very safe for most skin types. It is fragrance-free and free from drying alcohols or essential oils that commonly cause irritation. The preservative system (Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin) is standard and well-tolerated. While Urea and Salicylic Acid are present, they appear to be in concentrations supportive of hydration and stability rather than aggressive exfoliation, though those with a severely compromised barrier should patch test due to the urea content.

Final Rating: 4.7

This is a top-tier moisturizer that goes beyond simple hydration to actively repair and maintain the skin barrier. The combination of physiological lipids, NMFs, and soothing agents makes it a powerhouse for dry, dehydrated, or barrier-compromised skin. Its scientifically sound ingredient deck justifies a high rating.

Verdict

This formulation represents a highly sophisticated approach to barrier repair, prioritizing ingredients that mimic the skin’s natural lipid structure. At the heart of the ingredient list is a powerful trio of Ceramides (EOP and NP), Cholesterol, and Fatty Acids (Linoleic and Linolenic). This specific combination is often cited as the ‘golden ratio’ for skin health, working synergistically to patch up a compromised moisture barrier, reduce sensitivity, and prevent transepidermal water loss. It is an excellent restorative option for skin that has been damaged by environmental stressors or over-exfoliation. Beyond structural repair, the formula excels in providing deep hydration through Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs). The inclusion of Urea, Sodium PCA, and Sodium Lactate ensures that the skin retains water efficiently, treating dehydration at a cellular level rather than just sitting on the surface. The texture is supported by Squalane and Jojoba Esters, which offer a silky, non-greasy emollient finish that softens rough texture immediately. The product also offers significant antioxidant protection with Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate (a stable Vitamin C derivative), Carnosine, and Caffeine. These ingredients work to soothe redness and protect against free radical damage, making this a multi-functional product that addresses aging concerns as well as dryness. Interestingly, the formula contains Salicylic Acid; however, given its position in the list, it is likely present in a low concentration to act as an anti-inflammatory agent or penetration enhancer rather than a harsh exfoliant. This makes it suitable for sensitive skin that usually cannot tolerate acids. While the product is fragrance-free and formulated with safety in mind, the rich lipid profile might be slightly heavy for those with very oily skin. Overall, this is a top-tier moisturizer for anyone seeking to heal and maintain a healthy, resilient skin barrier.

Who Is This Product For?

Who Should Avoid This Product?

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Aqua/Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.

📁 Humectants & Hydrators / 保湿剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A gold standard ingredient for hydration that draws water into the skin.

🧪 Hydroxyethyl Urea / 羟乙基脲

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides excellent moisturization and skin elasticity.

🧪 Butylene Glycol / 丁二醇

Purpose: Humectant, Solvent

Concerns: Very low comedogenic rating

Notes: Helps ingredients penetrate the skin and improves texture.

🧪 Sodium Lactate / 乳酸钠

Purpose: Humectant, Buffering Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Part of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF).

🧪 Sodium PCA / PCA 钠

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A skin-identical ingredient that holds water tightly.

🧪 Sodium Hyaluronate / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: The salt form of hyaluronic acid; holds 1000x its weight in water.

🧪 Urea / 尿素

Purpose: Humectant, Exfoliant

Concerns: Can cause stinging on broken skin

Notes: Excellent for softening rough, dry skin.

🧪 Salicornia Herbacea Extract / 草海桐提取物

Purpose: Humectant, Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: A plant extract known to improve skin hydration levels.

📁 Emollients & Barrier Repair / 润肤剂与屏障修复

🧪 Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride / 辛酸/癸酸甘油三酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin; leaves skin feeling soft.

🧪 Cholesterol / 胆甾醇

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Essential lipid for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

🧪 Squalane / 角鲨烷

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Biomimetic oil that is very stable and non-irritating.

🧪 Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate / 硬脂酰硬脂酸异鲸蜡酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a rich feel without being heavy.

🧪 Ethyl Macadamiate / 乙基澳洲坚果油酸酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: A dry emollient that mimics the feel of silicone.

🧪 Jojoba Esters / 霍霍巴酯类

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides stability and a smooth skin feel.

🧪 Ceramide EOP / 神经酰胺 EOP

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Long-chain ceramide essential for barrier function.

🧪 Ceramide NP / 神经酰胺 NP

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: One of the most common ceramides for repairing skin.

🧪 Linoleic Acid / 亚油酸

Purpose: Fatty Acid, Skin-Restoring

Concerns: None

Notes: An Omega-6 fatty acid crucial for barrier repair.

🧪 Linolenic Acid / 亚麻酸

Purpose: Fatty Acid, Skin-Restoring

Concerns: None

Notes: An Omega-3 fatty acid with soothing properties.

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Emollient, Occlusive

Concerns: None

Notes: Forms a breathable barrier and gives a silky slip.

🧪 Caprylyl Methicone / 辛基聚甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: A volatile silicone that improves spreadability.

📁 Active Ingredients / 活性成分

🧪 Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate / 氨丙基抗坏血酸磷酸酯

Purpose: Antioxidant, Brightening

Concerns: None

Notes: A stable Vitamin C derivative.

🧪 Carnitine / 肉碱

Purpose: Antioxidant, Oil Control

Concerns: None

Notes: Can help reduce sebum production.

🧪 Carnosine / 肌肽

Purpose: Antioxidant, Anti-Glycation

Concerns: None

Notes: Peptide that protects skin proteins.

🧪 Caffeine / 咖啡因

Purpose: Antioxidant, Soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used to reduce puffiness.

🧪 Salicylic Acid / 水杨酸

Purpose: Exfoliant (BHA), Anti-acne

Concerns: Dryness if overused

Notes: Oil-soluble exfoliant that clears pores.

🧪 Tocopherol / 生育酚 (维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Protects skin from free radicals and stabilizes oils.

🧪 Lactic Acid / 乳酸

Purpose: Exfoliant (AHA), Humectant, pH Adjuster

Concerns: Sun sensitivity

Notes: Hydrating exfoliant or used to balance formulation pH.

📁 Emulsifiers & Texture Enhancers / 乳化剂与质地调节剂

🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps blend oil and water.

🧪 Polyglyceryl-6 Palmitate/Succinate / 聚甘油-6 棕榈酸酯/琥珀酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: A mild emulsifier.

🧪 Cetearyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient, Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that stabilizes the cream.

🧪 Lecithin / 卵磷脂

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Contains phospholipids beneficial for skin.

🧪 Pullulan / 普鲁兰多糖

Purpose: Film Former, Texture Enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: Can provide a temporary tightening effect.

🧪 Sclerotium Gum / 小核菌胶

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural gum for gel-like texture.

🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Common natural thickener.

🧪 Silica / 硅石

Purpose: Absorbent, Opacifying Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps absorb excess oil and improves matte finish.

🧪 N-Capryloyl Lysine / N-辛酰基赖氨酸

Purpose: Texture Enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: Amino acid derivative that provides a soft touch.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative Booster, Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used with Phenoxyethanol.

🧪 Triethyl Citrate / 柠檬酸三乙酯

Purpose: Solvent, Stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Also inhibits bacterial decomposition of sweat.

🧪 Phytic Acid / 植酸

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Neutralizes metal ions to keep formula stable.

🧪 Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate / 季戊四醇四(双-叔丁基羟基氢化肉桂酸)酯

Purpose: Antioxidant (Formulation)

Concerns: None

Notes: Protects the product ingredients from degrading.

🧪 Triacetin / 三乙酸甘油酯

Purpose: Solvent, pH Adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps solubilize ingredients.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Sensitizing in high concentrations (usually low in finish product)

Notes: Used to neutralize acids and balance pH.

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Safe in regulated concentrations

Notes: Common broad-spectrum preservative.